BY SCOTT STIFFLER | PENN SOUTH The Penn South Program for Seniors provides recreation, education, cultural and social services — and welcomes volunteers. The program offers a variety of classes and events. Neighborly Nights — a series of events including concerts and film screenings — are 5:30pm on Wednesdays (twice a month). Thursday Specials, at 2:30pm, offers entertainment and information. The Penn South Senior Center is (temporarily) located at 343 Eighth Ave. (corner of W. 27th St.). For info, call 212-243-3670 or visit pennsouthlive.org.
HUDSON GUILD
Hudson Guild is a multi-service, multi-generational community-based organization serving approximately 14,000 people annually with daycare, a variety of services for older adults 55 and better, low-cost professional counseling, community arts programs and recreational programming for teens.
Hudson Guild Adult Services Neighborhood Senior Center offers breakfast from 8:45-10am with a suggested contribution of $1 for 60 and better, and for a fee of $2 for 55-59 and younger guests. Lunch is from 11:45am-1:30pm with a suggested contribution of $1.25 for 60 and better, and for a fee of $2.50 for 55-59 and younger guests.
For the menus and more info, call 212-924-6710 or visit hudsonguild.org. Email them at info@hudsonguild.org or visit them at 119 Ninth Ave. (btw. 17th & 18th Sts.).
MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT’S SENIOR LIVING GUIDE
“Living Fully: Resources for Aging Well in the City” is a guide to rights and services for Manhattan seniors and caregivers in both English and Spanish. You can get a copy at the Borough President’s office (located at 1 Centre St., 19th Floor, at Chambers St.). For more information, call 212-669-8300 or visit manhattanbp.nyc.gov.
SENIOR PLANET EXPLORATION CENTER
The recently opened Senior Planet Exploration Center (127 W. 25th St., btw. 6th & 7th Aves.) is designed to give seniors over 60 the necessary skills to become proficient with today’s technology. Scheduled workshops, seminars and group sessions can be attended by walk-ins. Spaces are limited for free tech classes, so register ahead of time. The Center also has free Wi-Fi, 23 computers and a video game station. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm. To register for classes or get event info, visit seniorplanet.org or call 646-590-0615.
VISITING NEIGHBORS
Founded in 1972 by Greenwich Village community members, this organization — whose motto is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” — matches professional staff and more than 400 volunteers to over 1,000 seniors each year. Volunteers escort seniors to medical appointments, assist with errands and shopping, make social visits and, generally, provide a helping hand. They serve seniors 60+ who live from 30th St. south to the tip of Manhattan.
Visiting Neighbors holds an annual Chelsea Day Festival (this year, April 26, 12-6pm, on Eighth Ave., from 14th to 23rd Sts.). The festival’s Senior Talent Show (2-4pm, at 20th St.) features musicians and magicians, dancers and singers — many well into their 80s. If you are interested in participating, call 212-260-6200. Their office is located at 3 Washington Square Village, Suite 1F. See visitingneighbors.org for more info, or send an email to: info@visitingneighbors.org.
THE CARTER BURDEN CENTER FOR THE AGING
This organization promotes the well-being of individuals 60 and older through direct social services, advocacy and volunteer programs oriented to individual, family and community needs. At 1484 1st Ave. (btw. 77th & 78th Sts.). Call 212-879-7400 or visit carterburdencenter.org.
THE CARTER BURDEN GALLERY
The Carter Burden Gallery, which gives a voice to NYC’s re-emerging older professional artists, is located at 548 W. 28th St. (#534, btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). Gallery Hours: Tues.-Fri., 11am-5pm and Sat., 11am-6pm. Call 212-564-8405 or visit carterburdengallery.com. Now through April 10, the drawings and sculptures of Charles Ramsburg are on display in the East Gallery. In the West Gallery, “Looking Beyond” is a group photography show curated by Sara Petitt — a public art installation (“On The Wall”) by Thomas McAnulty.
SAGE
Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults. New York City’s first LGBT senior center offers hot meals, counseling and a cyber-center — as well as programs on arts and culture, fitness, nutrition, health and wellness. It is also home to SAGEWorks.
SAGEWorks is a national employment support program for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people age 40 and older that expands participants’ job-hunting skills and career options, and connects employers to diverse high-caliber candidates. Recognizing the importance of remaining employed and fulfilled in today’s competitive job market, SAGEWorks provides hands-on workshops, technology training and personal coaching at various sites around the country.
At 305 Seventh Ave. (15th floor, btw. 27th & 28th Sts.). For info, menus and a calendar of programs, visit sageusa.org/thesagecenter or call 646-576-8669. For SageWorks, call 212-471-2247 or visit sageusa.org/sageworks. Send them an email, at info@sageusa.org.
VISIONS SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
This non-profit rehabilitation and social service organization helps blind and visually impaired people of all ages lead active and independent lives, and educates the public about the capabilities and needs of people who are blind and visually impaired. Services include vision rehabilitation, community outreach and education, an adaptive senior center, employment services for adult and youth, caregiver support and volunteer services. At 500 Greenwich St., 3rd Fl. (btw. Spring & Canal Sts.). Call 212-625-1616, visit visionsvcb.org or send an email to info@visionsvcb.org.
VISIONS at Selis Manor
Located at 135 W. 23rd St. (btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves.), Selis Manor is an adapted learning environment and meeting place for blind and/or visually impaired youth, adults and seniors. Programs include support groups, computer training, adapted activities and volunteer and social work services for people who are blind. All services at VISIONS are free and open to all who experience blindness or severe vision loss (and their caregivers). For more information, contact Ann De Shazo, LMSW at (646) 486-4444 ext. 11 adeshazo@visionsvcb.org.
The Senior Speak Out Group
The Senior Speak Out Group (seniors over 60 who are blind or visually impaired) meets every Monday, from 2-4:30pm, at Selis Manor. This program allows seniors to make new friends, improve their well-being and gain knowledge about a variety of important issues such as transportation, nutrition, housing and more. Discover opportunities for socialization, networking, a hot, healthy meal and weekly presentations and performances based on member interest. Visit visionsvcb.org/visions/programs/selis.
CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE OF THE DISABLED, NY
CIDNY’s offices in Manhattan and Queens provide benefits counseling, direct services, housing assistance, transition services for youth with disabilities, employment-related assistance, healthcare access, peer support groups, information and referrals and recreational activities. All CIDNY services are free. At 841 Broadway (Suite 301, btw. E. 13th & 14th Sts.). Call 212-674-2300 or TTY at 212-674-5619. Visit cidny.org.
GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
The Geriatric Mental Health Alliance provides depression screening, advocacy and referrals. At 50 Broadway, 19th Floor (btw. Exchange Pl. & Beaver St.). Call 212-614-5753 or visit mha-nyc.org.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, NYC CHAPTER
The Alzheimer’s Association of NYC provides information, assistance and support to patients, caregivers and professionals. A wide range of services are offered for caregivers including care consultation, caregiver support groups, a 24-hour helpline and in-home hospice services. Care consultation provides a personalized service for individuals and families who are facing the decisions and challenges associated with the disease. At 360 Lexington Avenue, 4th Fl. Call 646-744-2900. For the helpline, call 800-272-3900. Visit alznyc.org.
GAY MEN’S HEALTH CRISIS
GMHC’s mission is to fight to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected. GMHC offers resources from hot, nutritious meals and counseling to legal services and job placement to people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as HIV testing and educating the community on HIV prevention, health and policy issues. At 446 W. 33rd St. (btw. 9th & 10th Aves.). Visit gmhc.org or call 212-367-1000.
SELFHELP
Selfhelp provides home care, case management services, home health aides, senior housing, legal resources, an Alzheimer’s resource program, senior activity centers and community guardians. At 520 Eighth Ave. (btw. W. 36th & 37th Sts.). Call 212-971-7600 or visit selfhelp.net.
NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
NYFSC coordinates home care, home delivered meals and other services, including assistance with benefits and entitlements for physically and mentally frail residents of Manhattan’s Community Districts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Case Managers meet with individuals to determine their eligibility for services and then arrange and monitor the delivery of services. At 11 Park Place, 11th Fl. (btw. Broadway & Church St.). Call 212-962-7817 or visit nyfsc.org.